Rose (Rosa rugosa)

Name:  Rose

Latin:  Rosa rugosa, Rosa canina, and others…

Other Common Names:

Family:  Rosaceae

Parts Used:  All

Vitamins/Minerals:  Vitamin C, antioxidants

Used for:  Heart disease, cancer, mental decline.  Immune system booster/strengthener.  Rose can also act as a hormonal balancer, and are useful for mood issues.  Due to the nutritional content of roses, this is almost a must for sickness and toxicity.

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Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)

Name:  Comfrey

Latin:  Symphytum officinale

Other Common Names:  Knitbone

Family:

Parts Used:

Vitamins/Minerals:  Potassium, Calcium, Vitamin A

Used for:  Used as a poultice for burns, sprains, bruises, and wounds.  Can make the pain lessen, as well as speed healing.  Taken internally it will assist with the speed of knitting broken bones.  It can also act as a mild laxative.  It contains high amounts of a compound called allantoin, which encourages cell regeneration.

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Directions & Warnings:  The FDA is really worried about comfrey, and while I argue most of the ways they approach dealing with herbs (especially when compared to how they deal with Big Pharma), comfrey they are pursuing to an extent that I only suggest it for external use.

Honeysuckle

Name:  Honeysuckle

Latin:

Other Common Names:

Family:

Parts Used:

Vitamins/Minerals:

Used for:  Immune system booster.  A strong tea made from the flowers has been scientifically established to be antiseptic, anti-microbial, and anti-bacterial.  It has been shown to have a particularly strong action against staph infections, including the antibiotic resistant strains, and is used to this purpose in Germany and Japan.  Due to the broad range of things it fights, and its effects on the immune system, honeysuckle can be used to ward off colds and flus.

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Chickweed (Stellaria Media)

Name:  Chickweed

Latin:  Stellaria Media

Other Common Names:

Family:

Parts Used:

Vitamins/Minerals:  Calcium, Iron, Potassium, Copper, Magnesium, Zinc, Chlorophyll, Protein, Vitamin A

Used for:  Chickweed has been used for centuries to improve complexion.  It is a vitamin rich plant, and many skin issues are caused by lack of specific nutrients.  It also refreshes and strengthens the lymphatic system, making this a very important herb in preparations for infections.  Like dandelion, it is also a safe diuretic, due to its potassium content.

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Cleavers

Name:  Cleavers

Latin:

Other Common Names:

Family:

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Used for:  A tea made from this is a folklore cure for acne, if given time.  It can also assist with lessening scar tissue as boils, blemishes, or other skin infections heal.  Cleavers is also a mild diuretic, and can be used to assist with urinary tract infections and pain.  It also has use as a lymphatic cleanser.

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Arnica

Name:  Arnica

Latin:

Other Common Names:  Accident Plant

Family:

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Vitamins & Minerals:

Used for:  A lotion containing arnica can be a fairly effective pain reliever, particularly in cases of soft tissue damage.  Used to reduce swelling from breaks and sprains, and effective at relieving muscle strain and tension.

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Directions & Warnings:  DO NOT use arnica if there is a break in the skin.  There are some internal uses, but they should not be attempted unless under the direct care of a herbal practitioner.

Garlic (Allium sativum)

Name:  Garlic

Latin:  Allium sativum

Other Common Names:

Parts Used:  Bulb

Vitamins & Minerals:

Used for:  Garlic is one of the “magic” plants as far as its health effects and uses.  It mitigates the physical effects of stress.  It can lower high blood pressure.  A tea is good for sore throats, and can be used to lessen inflammation and infection in tonsilitis.  If used as a poultice on your chest (often in conjunction with onion), it can help with bronchitis and other chest ailments.  Along with being capable of lowering blood pressure, it can help to reduce your cholesterol, strengthen your heart, increase immune response, reduce stroke risk, and stabilize blood sugar.  Garlic and its relatives are a source of phytoestrogens, which not only reduce the risk of cancer, they can assist with the passage through menopause.  Garlic also has an antibiotic effect similar to penicillin, with the added benefit of not killing off the beneficial bacteria in the body.    Used in a cold poultice, it can help to lower swelling; as a hot poultice, can be used to help snakebites and wasp or hornet stings.  Crushed and packed in near a tooth, it can assist with toothache.  Most of the folkloric and historic beneficial effects of garlic have been proven scientifically.

Use in tandem with:  Hawthorn and Cayenne

Directions and Warnings:  As garlic is a natural blood-thinner, you should consult with a doctor before increasing the amount of garlic you consume, or using it in supplement form if you are on blood-thinning medication.

Marigold (Calendula Officinalis)

Name:  Marigold

Latin:  Calendula Officinalis

Other Common Names:

Family:  Compositae (Sunflower)

Parts Used:  Flowers

Vitamins & Minerals:

Used for:  A lotion made from these flowers can be pain-relieving, and alleviates itching.  As a tincture or wash or ointment, it can be used for wound healing.  Only suggested for clean cuts, however, as the increase in speed to healing can be dangerous for jagged or dirty cuts.  Also useful for allergies.

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Others Uses for:

Growing: